USDA NRCS Offers Anaerobic Digestion Funding for New York Farmers Acting State Conservationist Carrie Mosley announced an opportunity to help farmers install an anaerobic digester as part of their manure management system.

Syracuse, N. Y - Acting State Conservationist Carrie Mosley announced an opportunity to help farmers install an anaerobic digester as part of their manure management system. This year, up to $1 million is set aside to promote this conservation practice in New York. Funding is provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).

"This funding will install a treatment system that reduces odors, greenhouse gases, and pathogens while producing electricity and recycling nutrients back to the land," Mosley said. "The addition of an anaerobic digester can benefit the dairy and the community though clean air, clean water and renewable energy. One kilowatt of electric can be produced for every five to seven cows. Federal programs for farm-based clean energy production provide an economic incentive for dairies to gain a cutting edge in the industry while helping the environment."

Funds from NRCS will be available to those farms ready to build a digester within the next year. It is anticipated that funding for anaerobic digestion will be offered again in coming years. USDA has made digester installation a national priority and hopes to install one per week for the next three years. NRCS funding can be combined with Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority programs as a package of incentives

Farms may apply for assistance by signing up at their local USDA Service Center. To see if you qualify for EQIP funding, visit the eligibility page online. Farms wishing to participate need to have a feasibility study before signing up. NRCS provides up to 75 percent of the costs to the maximum EQIP funding level. Farms must apply by April 20, 2012. Once an application is received NRCS will make a ranking determination and notify awardees by April 27, 2012. Send questions to Peter.Wright@ny.usda.gov.